Activity Cards

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging, docent-led mountain bike ride through Fremont Canyon to the unique geological formation known as Lizard Rock. This 16-mile out-and back ride, with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain is designed for experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape and will take up to 3 hours to complete.

The ride begins at the Weir (Outdoor Education Center) Staging Area inside Irvine Regional Park. We’ll climb out of the park on Coal Mine Road, passing the Fremont Canyon Weather Station and a grove of rare Tecate Cypress. Upon reaching Lizard Rock, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of upper Fremont Canyon, Sierra Peak, Cathedral Rock, and a sandstone formation locally known as Mini-Moab. We will return to the staging area via the same route.

While the ride is entirely on fire roads, be prepared for steep sections (both uphill and downhill) and potentially loose rocks and soil. We’ll regroup and rest as needed, with multiple opportunities for snack and water breaks.

Join us for a slow-paced hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Slowing our pace will encourage us to experience the land with all of our senses. If you enjoy recording your sightings of wildflowers, please download the app called SEEK (iNaturalist) prior to reaching the Augustine Staging Area. We will use SEEK to identify native and non-native wildflowers. Our slow pace will travel through the canyon to Dripping Springs, which is a year-round water source offering dense shade and moisture which creates an ideal environment for different flowers like orchids and ferns.

Do you want to explore the Sinks, a geological rock formation that has got its reputation as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon”? Come out and join us on a hike from the Portola staging area to the West Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon. Distance is about 6 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.